Transport Minister’s Move to Sabotage Sabarimala Pilgrimage is Deplorable: Hindu Aikya Vedi

Kottayam: Hindu Aikya Vedi state secretary MV Unnikrishnan has stated that the continued callousness of the state government towards Sabarimala will lead to a mammoth remonstration. Holding the government responsible for the neglected plight of the pilgrims, who have been rendered without basic facilities, Unnikrishnan said that the government is doing all it can to appease members of minority community by ignoring the plight of pilgrims.

“The government must bring forth better facilities, well in advance, before the Mandala season begins. Anything move that delays this, stands against Hindu society. The union government plans to grant the status of National Pilgrim Centre to Sabarimala. It is that this juncture that the state government has meted a step motherly attitude,” said Unnikrishnan.

Highlighting the fact that Sabarimala has not been granted special buses, Unnikrishnan condemned the statement made by Minister for Transportation of “the bus halting at each stop and collecting pilgrims from every point”.

“This is ridiculing the Hindu society. The hesitation being shown by the minister in holding talks with those in charge of Sabarimala interim facilities is something that has never been done by a minister before. Not just that the roads leading to Sabarimala stand unrepaired and ghastly, but also the thick foliage that borders these roads throughout pose the gravest peril to travelers,” said Unnikrishnan.

Pointing out that cost of food supplies was unbearably high, Unnikrishnan called for hotels to decide among themselves and put forth a uniform rate chart. He also deplored the pathetic condition of Erumeli Hospital, which do not have any doctors. “The ambulance that was given to the hospital is 11 years old, without proper maintenance having been done. This is sheer negligence of pilgrims by the government,” he added. 

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